New £1.3m innovation lab launched at North West packaging hub

Salford-based MC Construction has unveiled a new £1.3m packaging innovation lab at Macfarlane Packaging’s flagship North West regional distribution centre.

The lab, in Heywood, is designed to create same-day solutions for the most demanding packaging challenges and fully test them to withstand the rigours of supply chain handling.

The 5,000 sq ft customer facility is fully equipped with the latest software designed to reduce total cost and assess the CO2 equivalent impact of packaging.

It features full design, digital print and CAD prototyping facilities, including augmented reality tools. It also houses a showroom demonstrating the latest packaging automation machinery and specialist industry standard testing equipment.

MC Construction has created a new customer entrance and canopy, design office, sales and presentation suite, testing and print workshops and storage and kitchen areas, with air conditioning and ventilation throughout.

The architect for the project is Halliday Meecham. Other professionals involved in the scheme include WML Consulting and Robert Whetham Associates.

The new lab aims to replicate the success of Macfarlane Packaging’s first facility of its kind in Milton Keynes, which opened in 2016.

MC Construction director, Chris Purcell, said: “We’re thrilled to have successfully delivered the new North West Innovation Lab for Macfarlane Packaging.

Chris Purcell

“It’s a pioneering project for the region which provides an interactive space to support customers in identifying opportunities to lower their operational costs, enhance their customer experience and reduce their carbon footprint.”

Macfarlane Packaging is part of Macfarlane Group PLC, a manufacturer and distributor of protective packaging products to a wide range of sectors, including food manufacturing, logistics, internet retailing, mail order, electronics, defence, aerospace and pharmaceuticals.

Its 88,000 sq ft North West distribution centre opened last year following an investment of more than £1m.

Rachel Fellows, national account director at Macfarlane Packaging, said: “At Macfarlane we are focused on protecting our customers’ products with packaging that’s tailored to their business needs and goals, while reflecting their brand and minimising the impact on the planet.

“Our North West Innovation Lab is uniquely equipped to help us do that and I am confident that it will be an asset for our customers – existing and new – as we work together to ensure their products are effectively and efficiently protected on their route to market.”